Fellowships, Scholarships, & National Awards

A record of strong academic achievement is required, but applicants must also have accomplishments beyond grades, including:• leadership• service• community involvement• on-campus involvement• research• other specific award eligibility criteria

Each award has its own application process, and requirements may include a research or study proposal, personal statement or essay, financial information, transcripts, letters of recommendation and/or interviews.

Begin researching the awards early in your academic career. Annually, during the month of February, the Office of National Awards sponsors a Fellowships Fair. Students can learn about all the different awards and meet to discuss with the faculty advisors the awards they are interested in exploring.

If you are interested in applying for a national award, it is important for you to:• Register with the Office of National Awards• Attend the workshops regarding their award• Take note of other specific award eligibility criteria• Work with the faculty advisor on the content of their proposal• Meet with the Assistant Director of the Office of National Awards for help with their application process

Students may apply for some awards directly, but most included here require the College to nominate or endorse one or more candidates. Applicants must adhere to both internal Oxy deadlines and national deadlines. Occidental has a committee process for reviewing applications and nominating students for such awards, and each award also has a designated faculty advisor. There are other campus resources to assist students in the application process: National Awards Office, CAE Writing Instructors, CDC, departmental faculty, and academic advisors. Students should take advantage of these services.